THE GIST: Sake has long been brewed by migrant master brewers, but some ambitious women in Japan want to take back ownership of the brewing process and reach a new, younger consumer base.

WHY IT MATTERS:First, it mirrors the trend of women taking on more and more brewing responsibilities in the U.S. craft beer industry. We see no signs of this trend losing steam and we dig the additional dynamic it brings to the craft industry. Second, it demonstrates the brewers’ dedication to and celebration of the craft. As many GBH readers know firsthand, there's nothing quite as magical as putting the physical and mental effort into creating a tangible product that people can enjoy. We'd expect consumers to respond to both of these trends with open arms. Hopefully Emi Machida’s dream comes true and some of her artisan sake makes its way to the U.S. We’ll be ready. And thirsty. — Nate Micklos